The Best Doggy Care Options when you Travel
That’s the thing about dogs, they become part of your family and you love those furry buddies so much you just want them to feel safe and loved all the time, even when you aren’t there. You wish you could be with them all of the time, but the reality is, that's not always possible. So, what do you do with them when you need to travel without them?
Friends and Family
One of the easiest and most ideal scenario is to have a friend or family member take them into their home and care for them while you’re gone. This is especially good if your sitter is familiar with your pup. Put a call out to close friends and family and see if anyone can do it.
Neighborhood Pet Swap
Do you have neighbours that also have pets? Perhaps you can make an arrangement to work together to help each other out with your pets. You just never know until you reach out. You might even be able to start a Facebook group for the area and help each other out – that way you all know your pets are being taken care of and are with people you can trust.
Hire a House Sitter/Pup Sitter
House sitters usually live full time in your house so your doggy should get the constant supervision and attention that they’re used to. A well known place to find house and pet sitters is through www.trustedhousesitters.com
www.Rover.com has also become an extremely valuable resource to find house-sitting options in your area.
The nice thing about this option is that your dog is in their familiar setting with all of their toys, food, bed, crate, etc. There’s also more of a chance that they’ll be able to have their normal routine which will help any anxiety. The people looking after your pets can also watch the house for you which is advantageous when you’re going away for long stretches of time. Another perk is you can just leave the keys and go.
Dog Sitters
Many pet sitters will also take care of your animal in their own home. A pet sitter usually has a few pets staying with them already, which can provide companionship for your pet. This can be a positive or negative thing depending on your requirements. Professional sitters are generally very dependable but it’s always important to check references carefully. You might be able to find a dog sitter who is insured, bonded and have Dog First Aid certification.
Again, www.Rover.com has some top-notch dog-sitters to choose from.
Kennel, Boarding facility or Dog Hotel
A professional service should be knowledgeable about animals and how to take care of them. These services have the facilities and staff already equipped to take good care of your pet. There are plenty of reputable pet hotels and boarding kennels around. Make sure you check references and even consider leaving your pet for a short trial run.
Finally…
Make sure you can trust whoever is taking care of your pet. Always ask for referrals, whether it’s a business or a professional sitter you don’t know. If your pet is staying outside of your home, ask for a tour around the place to get an idea cleanliness and how they care for pets there. Bring familiar toys to make their stay more enjoyable.
Also make sure they have your emergency contact information, any special needs your pet may have and, if possible, a local contact they can deal with in case you’re unavailable.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you feel 100% comfortable with the situation. There are plenty of options out there and it’s important to take enough time to make sure you find a safe, secure and loving situation for your pet.
Your dog will miss you, just as you will absolutely miss your dog. Just remember: if you’re comfortable, your dog will be more comfortable. And you’ll be able to enjoy your time away as much as your time reuniting with your best furry friend.